Finding Your Light Amidst Darkness: Shantideva’s Prayer
This week in Daak:
1. Finding Your Light Amidst Darkness: Shantideva’s Prayer
2. Introducing Raja Ravi Varma-Inspired Playing Cards
3. Daak Recommends
1. Finding Your Light Amidst Darkness: Shantideva’s Prayer
A gradual response to continued failure is ‘learned helplessness’, a phenomenon discovered in social science research. It is the inability and lack of motivation to find solutions in difficult situations, even when a solution is possible and accessible.
So, feelings of detachment and helplessness towards the relentless disasters (both natural and man-made) of recent times is only natural. Thankfully, we have poets and philosophers who remind us that while we may not be able to serve many, we can still serve one; that our light need not be diminished by the darkness around us; and that courage and kindness can always offer a way out of grief and despair.
Shantideva, an eighth century Buddhist monk, philosopher, and poet, is best known for his classic work on Mahayana philosophy, the Bodhicaryavatara (A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life), which is a guide to awaken one’s mind through generosity, discipline, patience, and meditation. Immensely popular in Tibet, this book has been named as a favourite by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and inspired many Tibetan religious rituals.
We’re sharing an oft-quoted pastoral prayer from this book, which has many versions and adaptations although the essence remains the same. We hope it inspires you to do your bit, however small, in service of another.
May I become at all times, both now and forever A protector of those without protection A guide for those who have lost their way A ship for those with oceans to cross A bridge for those with rivers to cross A sanctuary for those in danger A lamp for those without light A place of refuge for those who lack shelter And a servant to all in need For as long as space endures, And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I, too, abide To dispel the misery of the world.
2. Introducing Raja Ravi Varma-Inspired Playing Cards
Try your luck playing Teen Patti this Diwali with our Raja Ravi Varma-inspired Playing Cards!
3. Daak Recommends
Check out this excellent audio visual exhibition on the folklore around Diwali narrated through five paintings from South Asia.